SECOND HELPINGS

Having played Lincs League, North Lindsey and Humberside Alliance cricket in a 2nd X1 for many years I often look out for the results of 2nd X1 first class matches involving the main counties. Sad, perhaps, but I do.
County championship games attract only a few hundreds spectators some days, but are very well-attended compared with those involving The Stiffs.
Many Lincs players down the decades have graduated into 2nd X1 cricket with various counties, and I recall Tim Hopper (Woodhall Spa and Lincolnshire Minor Counties) turning out for several in a short space of time. A few of our umpires have also reached exalted 2nd X1 standard.
This is all leading up to information about the finale of the current first class 2nd X1 campaign.
On Monday (September 21) Lancashire will take on Yorkshire for the ECB Second XI Trophy at Scarborough in a limited overs clash, starting at 10.30am - admission free. So if you fancy one last day watching some decent cricket before it's all over for another summer, pop over the Humber Bridge and drive north to the historic seaside ground.
In case it rains on Monday, there is a reserve day set aside - Tuesday, September 22.
The structure of the Second XI Championship altered this year. Once a tournament based on average points, it was reorganised to mirror the structure of the First XI Championship. The teams have been grouped into two zones - points being based on batting and bowling performances as well as the overall result.
Mike Gatting, the ECB’s Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships, told Lincs Cricket Latest: “The introduction of the new format has benefited Second XI cricket on a whole due to the more recognisable format that all teams can follow. Previously, teams in the Championship had no definite number of games to play, and would heavily depend on how many they could afford to organise. The new structure also allows a smoother transition from Second XI to First XI cricket for up-and-coming players.”
Hands up who remembers attending a cricket forum involving Mike Gatting staged by the Grimsby Telegraph, more than 20 years ago - either at the Beachcomber or the Winter Gardens? You are now showing your age!